M.C. revival would involve redoing Michigan Boulevard, U.S. 35

Mayor issues challenge to realize vision for city's transformation.

Mayor issues challenge to realize vision for city's transformation.

January 04, 2008|STAN MADDUX Tribune Correspondent

MICHIGAN CITY -- Anchored by the latest expansion of Blue Chip Casino, the mayor of Michigan City is predicting 2008 will be the start of a major transformation near the city's lakefront. "We have talked of the unlimited development possibilities. It's time to turn these conversations into construction," said Chuck Oberlie during his state of the city speech in front of more than 60 people at City Hall Wednesday night. Last year, Oberlie said, the wheels were set in motion for a pedestrian-friendly, aesthetically pleasing destination point close to the casino, Lake Michigan, Trail Creek and Washington Park Zoo to start taking shape. For example, Blue Chip hopes to complete a 22-story hotel and 15,000-square-foot conference center by the end of December, bringing more visitors who might want to relocate homes and businesses to the long-struggling north end. To capitalize, Oberlie challenged the City Council to, by the end of June, approve plans that include 986 new residential units and 55,000 square feet of retail space on 50 acres along the Trail Creek corridor. Currently, Oberlie revealed, the city is finalizing talks to acquire Blocksom & Co. and other parcels near the casino to free up all of the land for the redevelopment, which also includes a riverwalk. Oberlie also called for a recommendation by the end of March on whether Franklin Street in the downtown should be converted into a two-way street to promote more vehicular traffic and better access. Achieving the vision for the north side probably can't happen, though, unless Michigan Boulevard or U.S. 35 is totally redesigned, Oberlie said. The four-lane major artery to the casino is viewed as an eyesore, with drawbacks such as crumbling sidewalks and concrete barriers in the median hindering smoother traffic flow. Oberlie said talks are still under way for the state to transfer maintenance of the road to the city, which would allow for major aesthetic improvements. "As communities around us begin developing their own Lake Michigan waterfronts, we must invest in our public lakefront land or else we will be left behind," Oberlie said.